The 2004 Digital Counties Survey, which examined how county governments are evolving in their use of information technology (IT) to deliver services to their citizens, grouped counties into four population categories: 500,000 or more; 250,000-499,999; 150,000-249,999; and less than 150,000.

Larimer County placed ninth in its population category, one of two Colorado counties, along with Boulder County.

"The Digital Counties Survey is one of a series of studies we conduct throughout the year that examines how governments are applying IT to effectively serve their constituents," said Cathilea Robinett, executive director of the Center for Digital Government. "Our goal is to keep our fingers on the pulse of technology policies and practices in state, city and county governments, and acknowledge the hard work and effort put forth by of all of them."

All counties were invited to participate in the survey. Officials responded to a set of 17 questions and ranked their jurisdictions on a four-point scale, providing background data for final verification and validation.

"The 3,066 counties in the United States vary greatly in size and population," said Larry Naake, executive director of NACo. "The Digital Counties Survey awards effectively demonstrate how county governments of all sizes across the country are positively applying technology to deliver quality services to their citizens."